Garbage takes a Turn at the Roundabout

Photo by Bob White at 100th and Cactus

The City of Scottsdale has installed traffic circles at Cactus and 100th St, 104th and 108th, as well as at 96th Street at Sweetwater and Cholla.  The City says, "Studies in the United States have shown roundabouts to be significantly safer than traffic signals.  In these studies roundabouts reduced collisions by approximately 30 to 50%, reduce injuries by around 60 to 70% and reduced fatalities between 80-90% when compared to traditional traffic signals.  Roundabouts can also reduce delays, reduce fuel use, reduce emissions and reduce maintenance costs."  The larger vehicles and those with trailers have some difficulty, but I have grown to like the traffic calming effects of the circles.  Unfortunately, this City trash truck driver did not benefit from these safe roundabouts as he was going faster than the posted 15 mph and took a spill.  No one was hurt, and the mess was cleaned up quickly.  After all, that is what the City Solid Waste Department does well.